Mercedes-Benz to launch cleaner diesel E320 in October

by Autos - September 8, 2006

September 8, 2006

Mercedes-Benz to launch cleaner diesel E320 in October

Las Vegas, Nevada – Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will launched the diesel-powered E320 BLUETEC on October 15, timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur diesel fuel in the U.S. Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) will be on sale at 76,000 American filling stations during the initial phase.

The E320 uses a 208 hp, 3.0-litre V6 that develops 400 lb-ft of torque, with fuel economy of 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg Imp) and a range of around 1,200 km without having to refuel. A recent J.D. Power and Associates study forecasts that the current global diesel market share of 18 per cent is expected to reach around 30 per cent in 2015, with diesel vehicles expected to account for over 15 per cent of new registrations in North America.

Mercedes-Benz says that it will have another three BLUETEC models available as early as 2008 in the R-Class, ML-Class and GL-Class.